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  • Published: 2 July 2020
  • ISBN: 9781611807936
  • Imprint: Shambhala
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $40.00

Dzogchen

Heart Essence of the Great Perfection



The final addition to the Core Teachings of the Dalai Lama series, Dzogchen expands upon the heart essence of the ancient Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in a clear, accessible way.

Exploring the esoteric subject of Dzogchen, His Holiness offers insights into one of Buddhism’s most profound systems of meditation. He discusses both the philosophic foundations and the practices of this system—taking into account the approaches of various schools and teachers.

To these teachings, His Holiness brings all those qualities which are so uniquely his—the accumulated knowledge of years of study, his curiosity, humor, and compassion, and his seemingly infinite subtlety of mind. Paying tribute to the uniqueness of Dzogchen, His Holiness sets it within the wider spectrum of Tibetan Buddhism as a whole. He explains the essence of Dzogchen practice and addresses subjects such as why it is called “the pinnacle of all vehicles,” what its special features are, and the crucial principles of the other Buddhist paths that a Dzogchen practitioner should know.

  • Published: 2 July 2020
  • ISBN: 9781611807936
  • Imprint: Shambhala
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $40.00

About the author

The Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the head of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala, India. He is the author of numerous best-selling Buddhist books. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal in 2007

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Praise for Dzogchen

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama brings to his explanation of Dzogchen a perspective and breadth which are unique. To receive such teachings from His Holiness is, I feel, something quite extraordinary."—Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying "For our time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama embodies the completely pure essence of the Buddha's wisdom and limitless compassion for all beings. His knowledge of the teachings of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism in general and the Dzogchen teachings in particular is impeccable. His deep understanding and generosity of spirit make him an unerring and reliable guide through the subtleties of the profound vehicle of Tibetan Buddhist practice known as Dzogchen. Students are fortunate to have access to this collection of rare teachings—the most direct teachings available on mind's true nature—and through them to meet such an extraordinary teacher."—The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche "For unsurpassed, highest, perfect scholarship, Dzogchen comes as near as language permits us to discussing the ineffable."—Bloomsbury Review "In this beautifully translated and edited volume, His Holiness, foremost proponent of the Ri-me movement in contemporary Buddhism, displays his enormous erudition, profound insight, and inexhaustible good humor in illuminating the profound theory and practice of Dzogchen. This work is a genuine treasure for scholars and contemplatives alike."—B. Alan Wallace "H.H. the Dalai Lama, Buddhist leader and world peacemaker, sets forth herein perfectly clear instructions for the attainment of buddha mind and the heart essence of dzogchen. Studying, contemplating, and meditating on these teachings will reveal the true meaning of precious human life. This book is a beacon for the new millennium!"— Khenpo Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche "What greater treasure than this volume hosting four separate teachings on Dzogchen, given by the Dalai Lama to Western students?"—Sangha Journal "He offers here not only luminous insight into the heart of spiritual practice but also practical advice on how to bring such teachings into daily life. His humor adds a warm grace note throughout. Clear, easy to understand, . . . a perfect book for our times."—Tricycle "This is a book of uncommon richness and a remarkable testimony to His Holiness's learning insight and many-sided genius."—Branches of Light, the semiannual review journal of Banyen Books "A brilliant explanation of Dzogchen, presented with a unique perspective and breadth."—Mandala: A Tibetan Buddhist Journal